Padres Draft Multiple Pitchers, Link To $18M Diamondbacks Arm

The San Diego Padres are actively working to strengthen their roster ahead of the 2025 MLB trade deadline and draft. They are linked to acquiring Merrill Kelly from the Arizona Diamondbacks, a 36-year-old right-handed pitcher with a strong 3.34 ERA and impressive off-speed pitches, who is affordable due to his contract situation. In the 2025 MLB Draft, the Padres selected several promising pitchers and players, including Michael Salina, a right-handed pitcher with a fastball that can reach triple digits despite recent injuries, Kruz Schoolcraft, a 6-foot-8 two-way athlete with a fastball topping 97 mph and potential as both a pitcher and hitter, and Ryan Wideman, an outfielder with notable power and speed who recently transferred to Clemson. These draft picks reflect the Padres' strategy of investing in high-upside talent to bolster their pitching depth and offensive potential. Meanwhile, the Miami Marlins made a significant first-round pick by selecting Oregon State shortstop Aiva Arquette, highlighting their focus on college position players with both current performance and future upside.